4 Things You Should Do Before Meditating

As we start our exploration of meditation, here are some initial things that will help us get into a meditative state. These are general practices that should be adhered to every time we meditate as it will help the progress of the experience.

1. Have a quiet location where you can meditate undisturbed.

-This should be a personal space. One where you feel personally comfortable. It does not always have to be the same place, as we are mobile, but having a familiar location is a good idea.

-Having something near you that is calming can also help. For some people this may be a certain gem or crystal. For others it may be another object that belonged to a loved one who had a positive influence in their life. Anything that creates a more peaceful atmosphere and has a positive energy attached to it will aid us, even if just slightly. If you have nothing, that is fine too.

2. Be Comfortable in Your Attire.

-In meditation we want to be as still. Thus being comfortable is very key. This will include the clothes that we are wearing. Something that constantly needs to be adjusted will not serve us in any way in getting into a serene state.

-It is recommended you remove contacts and eye wear. For most meditation practices it will not matter. But as we progress and want to get deeper, especially if we want to move into methods of speaking with our spirit guides, removing our eye wear can help us form a bit better connection. Also, it is simply another thing which may need adjustment, but which is not required during meditation.

3. Find a Comfortable Position.

-Often we see people in books or in movies in uncomfortable positions for meditation, and this deters some people from meditating. I don't really believe it matters too much. The most important thing is being comfortable and not falling asleep.

-Sit upright in a chair or on the ground against a wall. I usually sit against my bed or against a wall, with a blanket over my legs. Legs pulled in comfortably and soles of the feet flat on the floor. My arms are wherever (normally laying in my lap between my stomach and thighs) and I either keep my head back comfortably or allow it to fall forward.

-Lying down to cause us to easily fall asleep, so sitting up is recommended but if you prefer lying and don't fall asleep, then lay flat on your back.

-If you are sitting up, keep your feet flat on the floor. This is good for "grounding" practices which will be discussed later.

4. Don't drink alcohol and be drug free.

-No alcohol is a must. Alcohol sends our minds spinning when the purpose of meditation is to quiet the mind. Don't bother trying to quieten the mind when intoxicated. Wait till you have no alcohol in your system. Even one drink can disrupt our level of meditation.

-When we drink we are not quite ourselves. This can attract to us energies which align with our current state and are not good for us.

-Don't use prescription drugs when they are their peak levels within us. If possible don't use any drugs (including aspirin or over the counter medications) around the time you meditate. These too cause energy changes within us.

-Avoid natural drugs such as marijuana or other more intense drugs unless you are very sure of what you are doing. I don't think it is needed for most people, so avoid it before meditating.

There are some additional steps that should be completed before meditating, but these 4 simple steps should always be done.